FIFA has launched an investigation into Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales after he kissed Spain women’s national team midfielder Jennifer Heromoso following the 1-0 win over England in the Women’s World Cup final.
This move by FIFA isn’t surprising at all given what happened during Spain’s trophy celebration after winning the World Cup. When Hermoso, the lone goal scorer in the game, went to receive her gold medal, Rubiales kissed her on the lips – which Hermoso didn’t consent to, as she said “Hey, I didn’t like it, eh,” later on in an Instagram live video.
It appears that Rubiales will more than likely face some sort of punishment due to his actions. Though he has since apologized, the prime minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, believes that his apology was nowhere near enough.
“The apologies made by Mr. Rubiales are not enough. I even think that they are not appropriate and that, therefore, Mr. Rubiales needs to continue to take steps to clarify what we all saw,” Sanchez said.
“But it is true that there has been some behavior, in this case of Mr. Rubiales, which shows that in our country there is still a long way to go in terms of equality and respect and in this equalization of rights between women and men.”
In addition to Sanchez’ statements about the situation, the Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE) also released a statement: “The physical gestures directed towards any person, in this case a footballer, are never appropriate or acceptable in whichever context without the express consent of the affected person.”
“It’s especially serious given what happened with Jennifer Hermoso who found herself in a state of clear vulnerability before a person in a position of power over her who initiated an approach or realizing a physical gesture.”
“We maintain our asking of the resignation of the gentleman who belittled and assaulted a woman. His excuses serve absolutely nothing.”
Additionally, several La Liga team presidents have called for the removal of Rubiales.
In what should’ve been a moment of pure joy for the country of Spain, Rubiales’ actions have casted a cloud over the first ever World Cup title for the women’s team.
Many outlets have reported Rubiales is set to hand in his resignation from the Spanish Football Federation in the coming days.
